altering a dressmaking pattern?

Question

Before I cut material I have to take in my pattern 2 ins at the shoulder seam. How do I do this - from middle of seam or at shoulder. Do I also have to alter the sleeve head on the sleeve pattern? How? Help please

Answer 1

When I read your question, I thought you meant that you were going to be shortening the length of the armhole by taking in 2" from the top. If this is correct, then you will also have to shorten the sleeve cap also by 2". This is also going to raise the neckline up, and you may have to lower it. I would suggest you carefully make your adjustments on the pattern and try it on before cutting your fabric. If it is something really important, you could also make it up in $1 a yard stuff of the same weave, (cheaper than muslin), and use your made up version as your pattern after you have got your adjustments all correct.

Answer 2

Hi ~

It is such a small adjustment that it is not even important to go to all the trouble ~ 1 inch on the front of the bodice, 1 inch on the back? ~ it's ok ... just skip it ....it will even give you a little more ease in the shoulder, and that is perfectly ok ...

Lakshmi